West Chester University Masters Degrees in Primary Teacher Training

The Certification in Grade 4 through Grade 8 (MGP) is designed for candidates who (a) have completed a B.A. or B.S. degree in an area other than education, or (b) hold a teaching certificate in another grade range or in a content area.

Program Outcomes

• The teacher candidate will demonstrate the ability to integrate content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge and skills to create learning experiences that make the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the content area meaningful for all children and young adolescents in Grades 4-8.

• The teacher candidate will demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and use of the major concepts, principles, theories and research related to development of children and young adolescents to construct learning opportunities that support the individual's development, acquisition of knowledge, and motivation.

• The teacher candidate, in order to meet the needs of all children and young adolescents Grades 4-8, including those with exceptionalities and from diverse backgrounds, will: a) demonstrate knowledge of different approaches to learning; b) demonstrate the ability to create instructional opportunities adapted to all learners, and c) implement instruction that builds on children's prior experiences and diversities.

• The teacher candidate will demonstrate the ability to plan and implement a variety of instructional strategies that promote a) critical and creative thinking and problem solving, b) independent and collaborative inquiry, c) active engagement in learning, and d) self and group motivation.

• The teacher candidate will demonstrate knowledge and use of a) effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communications for fostering active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interactions in the classroom, and b) educational technologies in instruction, assessment, and other professional practices.

• The teacher candidate will demonstrate planning and management of instruction based on a) knowledge of young adolescent learners, b) content and curriculum standards, c) the school and local community, and d) the philosophical foundations and organisation of middle level education including the essential role of the classroom teacher and children and young adolescents in curriculum development.

• The teacher candidate will demonstrate knowledge and implementation of formal and informal assessment strategies, including student self-assessment, for evaluating and ensuring the continuous intellectual, academic, social, and physical development of children and young adolescent learners in Grades 4-8.

• The teacher candidate will demonstrate the ability to a) identify, evaluate, and use information effectively and within ethical and legal guidelines, b) reflect on one's own content knowledge, teaching skills and effects of each on the growth and learning of children and young adolescents, and c) seek opportunities to grow professionally.

• The teacher candidate will demonstrate understanding of collaboration with school colleagues, families, and agencies in the larger community, to support and advocate for the learning and well being of children and young adolescents.

Curriculum

Please visit the website for information regarding the modules taught on this course:

http://catalog.wcupa.edu/graduate/education-social-work/early-middle-grades-education/grade4-8-certification/

The Professional Semester:

Student teaching is an integral part of the Professional Semester (MGP 550, MGP 551, and MGP 411). Candidates are eligible to student teach if they have a) achieved formal admission status to teacher education (FATE), b) completed all coursework, and c) maintained the Pennsylvania-mandated GPA. Candidates must register for the Professional Semester (MGP 550, MGP 551, and MGP 411) through the Graduate Coordinator for Early and Middle Grades Education. All student teaching must be completed in the Spring semester only.

Further Study

After a year of full time teaching, candidates may apply to the M.Ed. in Applied Studies in Teaching and Learning. Twelve graduate credits completed in the post-baccalaureate certification program can be utilised as an “Area of Focused Inquiry” in the M.Ed. Candidates complete an additional seven courses to complete the M.Ed. Program. This advantage is only available to those who have completed a post-baccalaureate certification program at West Chester University.

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